Back in the land of snow & cold, where I belong

[pbray]

Back home after spending Christmas down in Southern Florida, visiting my brother and his family. The girls (6 and 4) were great fun, if exhausting. Auntie Patricia came in for a fair share of admonishments "Auntie Patricia, you're ridiculous!" was often heard, as well as Camila's exasperated "Ay yi yi, Patricia!" The best quote of the week was probably "Mommy, why does Patricia love robots so much?"

Cold & snowing at the airport when I landed, and going to be brrrr cold tomorrow (high 14!) And yet I'm glad to be back. This is weather that makes sense to me, in the way that a South Florida Christmas with decorated palm trees and Christmas eve outdoor barbecues does not.

My internet access was sporadic, so have missed much of what happened on friendslist last week. But in compensation I bring a picture from our "Swamp Safari tour" -- I'm thinking this should be my new author pic.

Comments

[blitheringpooks.livejournal.com]

That's a great picture!

[janni.livejournal.com]

I think for warm weather winters to make sense, one needs to be in the places that have them through the full cycle of the year, to have a feel how they flow into same, rather than seeing them in isolation. :-)

[sylvia-rachel.livejournal.com]

That is an awesome photo :^)

I've spent a couple of Christmas vacations in California -- years ago, when my grandmother a"h lived in San Diego and, later, Modesto -- and, yeah, the decorated palm trees and orange trees just don't work. It is fun running around in a t-shirt while the natives shiver in wool sweaters because it's "only" 15°C, though ;^).

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

Um, just how close was that ostrich to you? That almost looked like a before shot on America's Funniest Videos.

Oh, and welcome back to north of the Mason/Dixon line.

[libwitch.livejournal.com]

that is a great pic indeed!

[kristine-smith.livejournal.com]

We moved to Florida when I was 6. Our first Christmas there was spent at the Warm Mineral Springs park, swimming and having a cookout. It was 85F, I think.

No, I never really got used to it, either.

Great pic!

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Thanks! You can tell I was having a blast.

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Right-- my brother's been down there since 2004, so he's become accustomed to the changes, and will speak with a straight face about winter weather, while those of us who pop in for a few days a year stare at him with incomprehension.

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Exactly! The natives were frozen-- 50 degree weather was enough to inspire turning on the heated car seats to "take the chill off" while I tried to contain my laughter.

[pbray.livejournal.com]

He came within a few feet--if my arm had been a trifle longer I could have tried to pet him (and been pecked for my presumption.) But we did stare meaningfully into each other's eyes, and I'm told the expressions on our faces were identical.

[pbray.livejournal.com]

My soul mate!

[pbray.livejournal.com]

The first year it was a novelty-- having cookouts and going to the beach on Christmas eve was an illicit thrill, as if I was getting away with something by not wearing fleece and shivering.

But after growing up in the Northeast, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to reconcile a Florida holiday with my idea of a "true" Christmas. What's the point of hot cocoa or warm cookies if it's 80 degrees out?

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

Now that would have made a great Author pic. ;-)

[jjschwabach.livejournal.com]

Ostriches should be a required element in all author pics.

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Exactly! Why be one of those run of the mill authors posing with their kitten when you can have an ostrich (or an alligator)?

[dynastic-queen.livejournal.com]

Hmm. That ostrich looks pretty serious...

Happy New Year, and much prosperity!

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Sending best wishes for a wonderful 2010!